Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced Basecamp Channel Islands, a wildness and wellness adventure in partnership with exhale Spa that will explore the seldom seen Channel Islands National Park. Part safari, part adult camp, the 5-day voyage will be set aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion and will explore the alluring remoteness that has motivated people to protect these landscapes and surrounding ocean.

In keeping with Lindblad’s wellbeing programming launched in December 2017 in Baja, the active adventure is designed to blend the best of exploration, transformation, and restoration in extraordinary, revitalizing places. And with acres of trails to walk or hike, sea caves to explore by kayak or paddleboard, undersea realms to enter, and landscapes and bird colonies to observe, the Channel Islands National Park is a spirit-lifting place to be.

Miles of ocean separate it from the Southern California mainland, and half of the park sits underwater. So being able to get there effortlessly, to move freely around the Islands leisurely and in genuine comfort – and to explore the land and undersea – is what makes this Channel Islands cruise unique. Of the 2,000 species of plants and animals within the vast National Park, one hundred forty-five exist nowhere else in the world. Marine life ranges from microscopic plankton to the blue whale, and many naturalists call them the ‘Galápagos’ of North America.

Basecamp Channel Islands will depart from the Port of Los Angeles and explore East Anacapa Island, home to Anacapa Lighthouse, the last major light station to be built on the west coast in 1912. Explore Santa Cruz, the largest island in California, with more than 600 plant species, 140 birds, including large colonies of nesting seabirds, and 11 land mammal species, including pinnipeds – and more than 60 endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Visit Rosa Island with Torrey Pines, considered one of the world’s rarest pines, and one of only two naturally occurring groves in the world; and San Miguel Island with over 30,000 pinnipeds and up to five different species. On Santa Catalina Island, guests may spot the elusive Santa Cruz Island Fox found only on Catalina, or the impressive sight of the island’s largest, and definitely not endemic mammals—bison, with a free ranching afternoon to grab a bike and explore downtown Avalon, the island’s only incorporated city.

Woven throughout the Basecamp Channel Islands adventure will be the transformative wellbeing experiences exhale is famous for. Guests can indulge in healthy activities led by an exhale fitness teacher, spa therapist or an exhale-trained Lindblad Wellness specialist including exhale Barre + Cardio, Beach Boot Camp, and Power Yoga classes on deck, as well as stand up paddleboard yoga, transformational mindfulness hikes, and assisted stretching. Neck and shoulder massages will be offered prior to evening cocktails, and Chill Yoga classes offered in the evening, alongside group guided meditation.

There are many trails covering the islands offering the opportunity for leisurely walking, birding, or working with your certified photo instructor to capture the natural beauty, or for a strenuous hike for a real workout. Grab a kayak to explore the shoreline, participate in talks, wildlife sightings, drawing or plein-air painting, mindful silences, star-gazing, tide-pooling, foodie pleasures, cocktails, mocktails and more.

Guests will also benefit from exhale’s nutritionally savvy snacks, juices, and menu options, and from Lindblad Expedition’s longstanding commitment to locally and sustainably-caught seafood, locally-sourced produce—and food that rewards.

Rates begin at $2,490 per person based on double occupancy in a category one cabin for the 4-night voyages. Departures are October 17 & 24, 2018.